Holiday Diet: How to Shake the Holiday Doldrums Out…Feet First?

Fatigue can whack us upside our heads any time of year, any time of day, especially during the holidays. So much to do. So little time. Am I right or am I right? I’m exhausted just thinking about how tired I am!!!

What to do? How can we recharge our batteries, rev our engines, and strut our stuff when our holiday to-do list is longer than our arms?

Here are a few of my best energizing secrets that will bring a smile to your face, a bounce to your step and a zippidy-doo-dah to your holiday!

1. SHAKE the DOLDRUMS OUT of YOU

Sing, chant, hum, dance, prance, bang your drums, run in circles, skip, and/or walk backwards. Do what you have to do to shake the doldrums out of you! We don’t want anything to get in the way of you claiming what’s yours!

2. ADD a HINT of RED

As Bill Blass says, “When in doubt, wear red!” Red is the most energizing of all colors. Just a hint of red will do; no need to dip your entire body in it! Try wearing a pair of red earrings, a red scarf, or even a red pocket square.

3. SPLASH COLD WATER on YOUR FACE

A quick splash of cold water, first thing in the morning, may energize you even better than a cup of caffeinated coffee! No kidding.

4. TAKE a WIFF of PEPPERMINT

The strong smell of peppermint will not only wake you up, but it will help you to move through your day more quickly and efficiently. Keep a bottle of essential peppermint oil in your purse or drawer at work for a quick pick-me-up!

5. RUB Your EARS

Did you know that by stimulating certain pressure points on your ears you can increase blood circulation and energize your entire body? It’s true! Vigorously rub your ears for one minute and feel the energy flow.

6. BREATHE

Most people are “shallow breathers.” This type of breathing causes carbon dioxide to build up in your blood and make you doze-y, snooze-y and lethargic. By taking in a few deep breathes, you will get the oxygen moving through your system again. This will help you to become alert!

7. EMBRACE IMPERFECTION

Trying to be perfect can be exhausting, and it can lower glucose levels in your brain, making it that much more difficult to function! When your “perfection gene” gets activated, remember to embrace imperfection. What a relief! Enjoy the wave of peaceful and calm energy that now flows through you.

8. STRAIGHTEN UP

Slouching can cause your brain to receive up to 30% less blood and oxygen. It also compresses your internal organs, compromising their efficiency. Hunching over your computer promotes shallow breathing.

9. FEED your FAT HEAD

Approximately 50-60% of your brain is pure fat. The fat serves as insulation for your brain’s billions of nerve cells. The better insulated the cells are the faster your brain sends messages and the speedier your thinking. Eat a mix of healthy fats for energy and productivity! Here are few excellent choices: wild salmon, mackerel, anchovies, dark green leafy vegetables, or avocado.

10. REDECORATE

Changing the colors of your four walls can give your home and your brain a much-needed lift. Or – if painting your home is just too much to do, especially during “the” season, then try repositioning your furniture to get the chi (energy) moving again throughout your home.